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Sunrise Initiative

The Rise of the Networked EconomyAdvances in communications and information technologies, the wide spread adoption of social networking on a global scale, and the rise of inter-firm collaboration have created a globally networked economy. This new, global economy is developing through an increasing array of inter-connected networks of industry clusters, supply chains, and knowledge networks of expertise and intellectual capital. Old world practices and outdated technology are no longer adequate to provide these networks with the services they require to function effectively. Networked clusters have not had access to tools that could enable them to enter the complex world of international trade. The Sunrise initiative provides better tools and critical expertise that allows these clusters to reach out, connect, and conduct business with new, global business processes that set the standard for international trade in the twenty first century.

Serving More than just Business Needs

Sunrise methods and services can support much more than trade and business transactions. Surise platforms can help coordiante disaster relief, intergovernmental dialouge, and coordination of overall aid and diplomacy between regions, states, nations, and non-governmental organizations. Sunrise technolgoy platforms can can help coordinate all these efforts, facilitating communiations, tracking transactions providing secure reporting, all of which increases efficiencies and minimizes the risks associated with losses through corrupt practies.

A New Day for Global Trade and Development

The Sunrise Initiative brings together a seasoned team of economic development professionals working around the globe to help connect industry clusters across borders. Sunrise uses an established global network of practitioners in both developed and developing countries, combined with advanced technologies that support the specific needs required to stimulate deal making and overcome barriers of time, distance and culture to fulfill the promise of rapidly expanding global trade networks.

The Sunrise Project is about generating stronger trade and investment outcomes - by linking networks and clusters across national borders.

The Problem Being Addressed-

Global trade and development is facing a huge problem because the global economy has lost its way. We are facing a crisis of confidence as investment, output and employment slumps in previously strong economies.

The causes are mostly known – structural dislocation due to low-cost manufacturing in China and India, the bursting of housing bubbles, over-extension of national debt etc.

We figure that the best way out of the problem is via trade and investment projects that address new market opportunities and create REAL WEALTH.

But this is easier said than done. The underlying problem is the lack of connectivity in various forms. In our experience, this stems from:

Not knowing who to talk to or deal with. The people with the key knowledge are either not known or not keen to collaborate.

The time and resources involved in finding collaborative businesses i.e. those open to new commercial relationships and that have integrity, ethics and shared values.

The lack of opportunity to meet face-to-face with other collaborative businesses.

The risks and frustrations associated with operating in new fields e.g. legal and tax complexities, social and cultural differences.

At a time of global uncertainty, these problems are amplified – people therefore withdraw into their familiar territory. This is the exact opposite of what’s required to create new market opportunities.-

The Solution-

So how do we address the connectivity problem?

Well, we aim to identify ‘collaborative companies’ – in other words, companies that are more disposed to collaborate with other companies to address connectivity problems and risks.

There is a good deal of international literature and experience now emerging about how collaborative companies gravitate towards clusters and business networks. Our theory is that by linking such companies there will be a greater chance of tangible outcomes. This approach addresses market failure e.g. managerial myopia, externalities, organisational delays.

For example, the United Nations, World Bank, OECD and the European Commission promote the role of cluster programs to facilitate collaboration and to accelerate the revitalisation efforts of particular regions.

We propose to link networks and clusters across national borders - to trade intellectual property, manufacturing processes, products and services. We aim to set new paradigms for global trade, sustainable supply chains, and investment joint ventures. And a valuable by-product will be increased understanding, goodwill and tolerance built around enhanced commercial alliances.

We’ve had the collaborative architecture in place, but we haven’t used it.

The Cockatoo Network, as a worldwide network of people working in clusters and networks, now intends to harness this collaborative architecture.